He said no other business on Madison has a need for that type of security.

The sign out front says the Renaissance specializes in parties, so it’s not really a nightclub.

Owner Ray White wouldn’t speak on camera but says balloons stuck in power lines outside the facility show the event where the shooting happened was a graduation party, not a gang throw down.

He said there are not many locations for African-Americans to have a function in Memphis and he tries to fill that need with family friendly events.

“Well, why does he require six or seven guards when he has functions? He knows what he’s getting into, he knows what danger he’s putting the public in. It’s not his place getting shot at, it’s ours,” said Bennie Carter, owner of Murphy’s, a bar across the street.

While there are bullet holes in the neighboring businesses, Mayor Wharton’s family law firm is right across the street. There are also the huge Overton Square improvements right down the road.

Business owners say they called the city and wrote the landlord.

But the owner of this smoke shop has just given up.

“My lease is up and I’m looking for another place,” said Resnick.

White plans an event next month with church pastors to help show his business is family-friendly and not connected with crime.

smith

Whatever

What with all the Black Churches in this town, there should be plenty of places to Party, and the Churches could use the money from rental and parking fees. Jeez people, Get your head out of your Tush.

Hunter S. Thompson

Who wrote this? My cat has better grammatical skills than the genius who wrote this garbage. Anyway, Murphy’s not be known for shootings but it’s not exactly a wholesome environment & Rev. Bennie shouldn’t be casting stones. There’s no shortage of customers smoking dope non-stop on the patio at Murphy’s.

Not retarded

Zeek

First of all, you’re writing under the username Hunter Thompson and trying to talk about wholesome environments- that in itself is ripe for a good joke. Secondly, a guy got effing shot! How do you get off talking about how Murphy’s isn’t in the right either? And why do you tarnish such a legendary journalists name in the process? Leave Murphy’s and Gonzo out of this. For shame.

lazyskier

That club is nothing but trouble. If you google the name, it is listed as a night club. The owner (Ray White) uses it as a photography studio during the day, and rents it out to the less desirables at night. Fights, arguments, shootings, drug selling…those are a few of the problems associated with that place.
Ps. There is also a bullet hole in the wall of the smoke shop next door.